BOSE L1 6 months in. An update

[tonyj 0]

just surfing the web found this link for the bose system in the usa http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/patriot.gif

 

looky here

 

at the exchange rate used yesterday by paypal they are only £1092, shame they dont ship to the UK

[Jimbo55 0]

Don't forget that there is a voltage difference.

 

Jimbo

[shakermaker 0]

Right folks - I like the look of this and if the answers to my questions below are what I want to hear then I will be getting a system in January.

So,

Do you need an amp or are these actives?

If you do need an amp, what would you suggest as I currently use actives?

What kind of wattage do these give out..eg: Could you easily fill a packed venue with say 500 people?

 

I've read all the comments on this and clicked the links and also done a google search and I like what I see but because it is so different, it is confusing me so any help would be great.

 

If it really is as good as you all say it is then I am already dribbling.

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited October 4, 2006 by shakermaker

[Jimbo55 0]

Dont need amps each L1 has three built in the base unit.

750 rms output..500w for the L1 (250w for each L1 half).. 250w for The B1 unit.

You can attach up to 2 B1 to each L1 base unit.

 

Average mixed party/wedding of 500 people I would use 2x L1 and 4 x B1 and be very happy. But many have run 1 x L1 and 2 B1.

 

Lets put it this way. A local venue I do the landlord likes it very loud and will always ask to turn it up. I used to regulary run in excess of 3kw Rms subs and tops (bi amped)in a bar 40' by 40' ears used to ring for a week http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/omg.gif

 

I ran a single L1 and 2 B1 just as an experiment one night and got the usual 'turn it up' so I did. He did his usual and made gestures to turn it up more untill he thought it was loud enugh standing about 3m away. After 10mins he came back and told me to turn it down as the Bar staff (back wall 40' away) could not hear the customers order. This was my first experience of the dispersion effect of the Bose L1.

 

Jimbo

[Kingy 0]

QUOTE (shakermaker @ Oct 5 2006, 12:09 AM)

What kind of wattage do these give out..eg: Could you easily fill a packed venue with say 500 people?

I don't think so, not at high SPL and playing to a young crowd.

 

I would hire one in for a test before committing your hard earned cash....

 

Depends on how you like your sound I guess. Sound is a personal thing http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/533.gif

[ChrisPointon 0]

I've not heard these in use so it wouldn't be right for me to pass comment (I'm still waiting for Bigben to invite me along for a demo! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif )

 

However in reference to the US and UK Markets, although the voltage is different, I would imagine that BOSE use some kind of SMPSU which can accept various voltages from 110 - 230, or at least there would be a switch to change the voltage somewhere on the panel, maybe one of the existing owners could comment?. Its rarely cost effective these days, with most of the world being on 230V to manufacture a dedicated unit for the American Market, so most have some form of voltage change built in.

 

Yes, it is far cheaper to buy these, or indeed most things from the US. Indeed there were a pair of these on Ebay a month or so back, 5 months old and hardly used (ex Church PA) for $3000 the pair. A bargain!. However you do need to factor in the cost of freight, and it is very likely that customs will be over it like a rash and they'll want their pound of flesh too. Although the cost of flights are falling all of the time, so if you fancy a cheap weekend away http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/whistling.gif and where the savings in carriage and duty are worth it, you could always surpise the missus with a weekend away! and mix business with pleasure.

[BigBen 0]

QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Oct 5 2006, 08:47 AM)

I've not heard these in use so it wouldn't be right for me to pass comment (I'm still waiting for Bigben to invite me along for a demo!)

Chris...I've not got any more gigs booked!!!! If you wanted to hear it I'd happily bring it to one of your gigs...? Just remember, I'm VERY fussy which gigs I do though...

 

 

As for the units power, I played The Ballroom at Stoke's Moat House Hotel:

http://www.bestwestern.co.uk/_images/floorplans/BW083862_FP.gif

The Ballroom is the top two rooms on the left, with the temporary wall taken out. It holds 650 people in a theatre layout or 400 banquet style. There were about 200 there the night I played and the unit was fine.

 

As others have said, the Bose isn't about sheer power so don't just compare output levels. Its sound dispersion is amazing and usually means playing at lower levels than you are used to yet people can hear the [quality] sound farther away. Spend an evening with one of the Bose boys your end and see what you think.

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

HOPEFULLY. I will get the call to pick mine up tomorrow (Fri). They have 1 system in but they are waiting for the 2nd. They told me Fri at the latest...

 

If I get them then I will be test running them at my gig on Saturday 7th . Am doing a wedding at Scarisbrick hotel , southport. All locals welcome..

[Jimbo55 0]

How are you planning to run your feed to the L1 ?

 

Do you have XLR or Jack outputs from your mixer?

 

You may have to reduce the out put by 20db or so unless you can reduce the output from the mixer. The bose L1 Base unit has two different preamps even though it is a dual xlr/jack connection. Lower gain for the jack input. xlr to xlr ia a high gain connection

 

Mic leads are the quick fix from mixer xlr to jack input on channel 1 or 2 on the L1 base.

 

Jimbo

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Got these babies today... 2 of each (L1 & B1). Looking forward to the debut tomorrow night..

 

I`ll post some pictures on Sun/Mon.

 

Jimbo,,

 

I set them up at home. I used a XLR-XLR connection from my mixer.

[brianmole 0]

QUOTE (stevemitchell @ Oct 6 2006, 04:41 PM)

Got these babies today... 2 of each (L1 & B1). Looking forward to the debut tomorrow night.. I`ll post some pictures on Sun/Mon. Jimbo,, I set them up at home. I used a XLR-XLR connection from my mixer.

You'll need to change that. This is why I had poblems to start. The xlr connection is for mic levels only. You need to connect your line level to the PAS with a 1/4 Jack connector. Use a mic lead tomorrow, then you need to order some bits:

 

My advice to you is this: in order to keep the benefits of an xlr-xlr lead, buy one of these adapters for each Bose PAS you are going to connect to:

 

http://cpc.farnell.com/productimages/cpc/standard/42246063.jpg

 

This has made all the difference for me. Using a mic cable meant that I was picking up some minor interference.

 

 

I also suggest you get one of these so you can lie the connection flat in the PAS:

 

http://cpc.farnell.com/productimages/cpc/standard/CN04145.jpg

 

 

 

 

You will then be well and truly SORTED!

 

If you want, I'll dig out a photo of how I have it set up.

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Thanks Brian.. There is a pretty good music shop in my town so I`ll pop in tomorrow morning to see if they have the connectors. If not I`ll use your link. It would be great to see your photo`s.

[Jimbo55 0]

Which Behringer mixer do you have?

 

I found the VMX1000 (tried one other as well) a little noisey through the L1. Got round it by following the gain staging as shown on the bose L1 web pages/forum at bose.

 

If you have not been there yet it is full of information about the L1.

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Just been to the music shop in town. No connectors Arhhh, so I purchased 2 cables XLR-Jack. They were only £7 each so am a bit worried about an inferia cable. I use Van Damm with neutrix connections which I really like.

 

Anyway I`ll plod on tonight and I`ll buy some connectors through Brians link.

 

Am hopefully going to set up sometime this afternoon so I`ll try to get some good pictures.

 

Jimbo,

 

Yes I do have a VMX 1000. Hopefully and changing it to a denon 400 or 500 next week. (am slowly going bankrupt) http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/071.gif

 

All this running about on my birthday can`t be good for my health now am getting old. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

[jeffwall 0]

Im going along to steves set up this afternoon, will post a honest "my opinion review" soon....cant wait to hear them in action set up in the venue

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

Well what can i say. Firstly big thanks to Brian Mole , Richard (Bigben) and Jimbo for makig sure I was aware of the connections I needed before they made their debut.

 

Only one word to discribe the L1`s and B1`s, AWSOME. Honestly absolutly excellent sound. Jeff Wall called to see them this afternoon while I set my job up for tonight. Am certain he will praise them.

 

Whilst I was in the hotel I had 3 comments about my sound. There was even another Dj setting up in another room and he was blown away.

 

I have taken this photo. Please excuse the poor quality. Also please note the clutter behind my rig is not mine. I`ll try and get some better photo`s tonight.

 

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/4324/1001259smallst0.jpg

[YourBigEvent 0]

The top hats on your speakers must be in the wrong place, looks like they may fall off the poles. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

QUOTE (ADS Entertainments @ Oct 8 2006, 12:27 AM)

The top hats on your speakers must be in the wrong place, looks like they may fall off the poles. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/071.gif

 

 

[brianmole 0]

http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/071.gif

 

Enjoy the ride Steve, it's an expensive one, but VERY worthwile in my opinion. I had another load of unprompted positive comments last night too, these are turning into referrals which is good for the business. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

[Andy Westcott 0]

Where are the B1s?

 

I'm supposing you have two, and they are behind the black cloth. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif

 

I must say I like the layout, but I'M NOT CONVERTED YET!!

 

I'd like to hear these in action sometime - I expect I'll have to wait until ADS gets some.....

[EdBray 0]

QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Oct 8 2006, 10:32 AM)

- I expect I'll have to wait until ADS gets some.....

"Hell and freezing over" come to mind.

[Andy Westcott 0]

Indeed! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Steve_Mitchell 0]

QUOTE (Andy Westcott @ Oct 8 2006, 10:32 AM)

Where are the B1s?

They are on the outside of the L1`s. As it was a stage I wanted the subs on the floor.

[Andy Westcott 0]

Ahhhh.. I see them now.

I was expecting something a bit bigger, I'll be honest!

 

Even more desire to hear them in action now - can't quite believe they can perform as well as you all say they do!

[jeffwall 0]

Went yesterday afternoon to listen....

 

Firstly i will say steves picture is a little decieving, the poles look quite small and the subs small too....Dont get me wrong the subs are small in comarison to other subs, but the picture makes them look a lot smaller than they actually are. Similar story with the poles, when i stood next to them my height is just over the silver band 3 quarters up the pole....think the poles must be approx 7ft high.

 

Sound....

 

Well what can i say? Errr fantastic quality hifi sound, plenty of bass and plenty of headroom even at high volume.

The room wasnt massive, however it was faily big and the quality at the back of the room was equal to the front. From a sound point of view, I personally think the subs at each side is better just to give a wider spread of bass, but i presume they would be as good stacked together behind the cloth kind of set up (perhaps in smaller rooms or critical set up space)

 

Noticed the sound was not echoing with an empty room. This was a little frieky as you dont get the same "bounce off the walls" when speaking on the mic. Its almost like you think you need to turn the volume up more to hear yourself speaking through the system, but on the contary, the sound out to the punters full rich and great quality, without turning the system up.

 

Each pole has 24 speakers built in, what a sound, forget RMS values and forget the way you think "will it be powerful enough to bla bla ....." The answer is simply yes! the bose concept is not sheer power, its design and technology in sound accoustics and the way it travells etc....hence the price tag and hence the bass at the back of the room etc

Hope this write up is helpful for those on the fence....as i was!